Can prison guards be sued for violating an inmates’ religious rights? Supreme Court justices hear arguments

The Supreme Court on Monday heard oral arguments in a religious liberty case, Landor v. Louisiana, that centers on if an individual can sue for damages if they are in prison at the time of their rights being violated.

Damon Landor was serving a five-month prison sentence, and with just weeks left to go in his term, his dreadlocks were forcibly cut. Per reports, Landor is a devout Rastafarian and grew the dreadlocks for nearly 20 years in accordance with his faith.

However, the justices sounded skeptical of Landor’s case, with Monday’s oral arguments lasting about two hours. A majority of the justices appeared to agree that the text of the law does not allow Landor to sue for money damages.

The case touches on two federal laws, both designed to protect religious liberties. The Religious